Freshman Caroline Tucker is one of nearly 1,300 students who make up Princeton University's Class of 2017. After freshmen arrived on campus, they participated in a number of activities to meet their peers, such as the International Orientation, outdoor and service trips, and official ceremonies including Opening Exercises.

Stills courtesy of Danielle Alio, Office of Communications

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Video feature: University welcomes Class of 2017

Posted September 16, 2013; 12:00 p.m.

by Danielle Alio, Office of Communications

The start of college is an exciting time full of new experiences and opportunities for freshmen. Before classes began Sept. 11, the members of the Class of 2017 were welcomed to the Princeton University community in a number of ways. This video shows some of the events and activities offered to freshmen.

Some students moved into their residential colleges early to attend Princeton pre-orientation programs held the first week of September and met roommates, classmates, college staff and residential college advisers.

For the international students who make up 12 percent of the class, International Orientation offered a chance to meet other international students and to learn some practical information about living in the United States.

Outdoor Action offered 84 trips — to locales in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont — to 720 members of the freshman class. The trips varied from backpacking and canoeing activities to rock climbing and bike tours, along with trips dedicated to sustainable farming and spirituality.

The 157 freshmen registered for Community Action participated in various community service activities with organizations in and around the Princeton area. The service activities spanned a wide range of categories, from aiding the environment to helping with food donations and home repairs. A few of the organizations that worked with the students were the Lawrence Nature Center, Mercer Street Friends and Habitat for Humanity of Trenton.

The Class of 2017 was formally welcomed on Sept. 8 during the University's Opening Exercises held in the University Chapel. After the ceremoney, the freshmen walked in the celebratory "pre-rade" through a portion of campus, greeted by upperclassmen, alumni, family and friends.